I can't hear the other person in the studio

Follow these steps when:

• You can't hear a participant in the studio
• Participants sound too quiet

Likely causes:

Being unable to hear your participants is likely the result of a microphone or audio interface connected incorrectly, a device permissions issue, or interfering apps on the mobile app.

Suggested troubleshooting steps

Follow the steps below depending on where you recorded.

• • Click the lock icon in the browser's address bar to confirm that Riverside and their browser have permission to access the mic.
    • On a Mac, confirm that the mic is not muted in the Audio MIDI Setup app.
  • If using a dedicated external microphone, check whether the mic has a physical mute button or gain knob that controls its sensitivity.
  • If also using an external multi-channel audio interface or multi-track mixer, confirm that the mic is connected to one of the first two channels or that the device is using a stereo output (not its multi-track or multichannel output).
  • Check that the browser tab with Riverside is not muted.
  • Check that your computer's audio output is the same device that you selected in the studio, like the same speakers or headphones:
    • Change audio output on a PC
    • Mac: Change Sound Output in System Settings (Apple support)
  • Check your device connection.
    • Ensure all wired connections are secure.
    • Disconnect and reconnect any cables, as loose or faulty connections may cause signal issues or audio level discrepancies.
  • Check if auto volume control is enabled and turn it off if it's not needed.
  • Check your device or input level.
    • Check and adjust input levels on any external audio devices (interfaces, microphones with knobs, faders, etc.).
    • Verify and adjust audio level settings within the studio environment.
    • Check microphone levels in the computer’s audio settings (separate from general system volume settings).
  • Test if the issue persists when using Google Meet to help determine if the problem is related to the audio device settings or specific to the platform in use.
  • Restart the device and/or browser, then rejoin the session.
• • If using the iOS app, confirm whether any external microphone is connected using one of the supported methods.
    • If using a dedicated external microphone, check whether the mic has a physical mute button or gain knob that controls its sensitivity.
  • If using iOS with headphones that have an in-line mic, adjust the device's microphone mode.
  • If using Android, turn off the device's noise reduction and confirm that no other apps are changing the microphone's behavior.

Learn more

• Best practices for recording on a computer and Mac app
• Best practices for recording on a mobile device
• Guest checklist and tips: Recording on a computer